The Air District’s departments are structured to create a responsive, flexible, and thorough framework to achieve clean air. Learn more about the District’s departments: Administration, Communications, Community Engagement, Compliance and Enforcement, Engineering, Information Services, Legal, Planning and Research, Strategic Incentives, and Technical Services.

Executive

The Executive Office provides support services to the executive management staff, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and Hearing Board. This team manages the preparation and execution of Board, Committee, and Council meetings.

Communications

The Communications section makes information about Air District programs available to the public and media. It manages outreach programs such as Spare the Air and 1-800-EXHAUST. The section publishes the Air Currents newsletter and other publications for the general public, and oversees advertising and public relations.

Compliance and Enforcement

The Compliance and Enforcement Division helps companies comply with air quality rules and regulations by offering education, guidance, and technical assistance. The Compliance and Enforcement Division’s inspection staff checks that companies are complying with regulations and responds to complaints. When companies do not meet air quality requirements, the division takes action in proportion to the violation.

Engineering

The Engineering Division issues air quality permits for equipment that emits air pollutants in the Air District. The Engineering Division assists businesses, trade associations, agencies, environmental groups, and community members with questions and issues related to permitting and compliance.

Information Services

The Information Services Division manages and supports the Air District’s information technology needs, including all technology operations, infrastructure, and data systems.

Legal

The Legal Division gives legal advice and representation to Air District staff, the Board of Directors, Board Committees, the Executive Officer, and the Advisory Council. The Legal Division also represents the Air District in litigation and in matters before the Hearing Board. In some cases, the Legal Division manages outside counsel representing the Air District.

Planning and Climate Protection

The Planning and Climate Protection Division quantifies and analyzes sources of air pollution and greenhouse gases, prepares plans to meet air quality standards, identifies and mitigates localized air pollution impacts through the Community Air Risk Evaluation (CARE) Program, and assists cities and counties with local air quality and climate programs including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Planning and Climate Protection Division coordinates the integration of climate protection into Air District air quality and health plans and programs.

Strategic Incentives

The Strategic Incentives Division offers financial incentives for projects that improve air quality, reduce air quality health impacts, and protect the global climate. The Strategic Incentives Division focuses on reducing criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases through mobile source and low- or zero-emission transportation projects. The Strategic Incentives Division oversees approximately 1,000 projects funded by state, federal, and local resources every year.

Meteorology, Measurement and Rules

This Meteorology, Measurement and Rules Division monitors and analyzes air quality throughout the Bay Area, including monitoring operations at industrial facilities. The Meteorology, Measurement and Rules Division also forecasts regional and local air quality daily based on its 33 monitoring stations and meteorological measurements. Additionally, it develops and modifies Air District rules to provide emissions reductions to meet air quality and climate goals.

Community Engagement

The Community Engagement section implements the Air District’s Public Participation Plan. It facilitates community meetings, and coordinates local air improvement Spare the Air Resource Teams and youth outreach activities. The Community Engagement Section is developing a Community Council and a Community Grant Program. The Community Engagement section engages with the public, businesses and local governments as the Air District works to protect public health, improve air quality and protect the global climate.